Uptown Sedona
The vibrant heart of Sedona, offering unique shops, art galleries, and dining with stunning red rock vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Uptown Sedona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The vibrant heart of Sedona, offering unique shops, art galleries, and dining with stunning red rock vistas.
"Uptown Sedona is absolutely worth a stop. I went in expecting a standard tourist strip but walked away genuinely impressed."
🎯 Park & Explore
Park once and wander! Uptown is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and eateries. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Book Dining Ahead
Popular spots like Elote Cafe are reservation-only. Book in advance to avoid disappointment! :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Uptown Shops & Galleries
Discover unique Native American art, jewelry, boutique clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs. A true shopper's paradise!

The Vault Uptown
Uptown Sedona
Dine with breathtaking red rock views. This restaurant offers a scenic dining experience with great food.

Elote Cafe
Uptown Sedona
A highly recommended local favorite for delicious, healthy Mexican cuisine. Reservations are essential!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Patience is Key
Embrace the Walkability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park & Explore
Park once and wander! Uptown is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and eateries.
:athletic_shoe:🍽️ Book Dining Ahead
Popular spots like Elote Cafe are reservation-only. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!
:knifeforkplate:🅿️ Parking Strategy
Utilize free parking lots, but be prepared for potential circling or a short walk.
:parking:🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
Find authentic Native American art and handcrafted items beyond typical tourist trinkets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park & Explore
Park once and wander! Uptown is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and eateries.
:athletic_shoe:🍽️ Book Dining Ahead
Popular spots like Elote Cafe are reservation-only. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!
:knifeforkplate:🅿️ Parking Strategy
Utilize free parking lots, but be prepared for potential circling or a short walk.
:parking:🛍️ Unique Souvenirs
Find authentic Native American art and handcrafted items beyond typical tourist trinkets.
📸 Capture the Views
Many restaurants offer stunning red rock vistas. Enjoy your meal with a side of Sedona's beauty!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Uptown Sedona is a charming and energetic destination that surprises visitors with its blend of shops, galleries, and dining, all set against a backdrop of stunning red rock beauty. While parking can be a challenge, the walkability and vibrant atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for most travelers. The area is well-maintained and offers a good mix of unique finds and scenic experiences.
"🏜 Uptown Sedona – My Review
🌄 First Impressions
I’ve been to Sedona before, but Uptown really surprised me this time. Walking into this stretch, you instantly feel the mix of charm, energy, and red rock beauty around you. It’s touristy, yes—but in the best possible way. I was pleasantly happy and a bit surprised at how much there is to see and enjoy here.
🖼 Shops & Galleries
The variety of shops is impressive. From Native American jewelry and art to boutique clothing, souvenirs, and handcrafted pieces—you can wander for hours and still discover something new. Many places felt authentic and thoughtfully curated, not just the typical gift-shop setup.
🍴 Dining & Drinks
Plenty of options to grab a bite or sit down for a meal. Cafés, restaurants, cantinas—you name it. I didn’t dive deep into food this trip, but just walking by you can tell there’s a mix of casual quick eats and sit-down dining with views. It’s the kind of place you can start with a coffee, shop, then end the evening with a cocktail on a patio.
🚶 Walkability & Atmosphere
The whole area is very walkable—you can park once and spend the day wandering without ever needing your car again. The streets are clean, safe, and lively with a mix of locals, tourists, and street energy. It has that small-town feel but with enough buzz to keep things interesting.
🧼 Clean & Well-Maintained
One thing that stood out: Uptown is well-kept and clean. The sidewalks, shops, and public spaces are clearly cared for, which makes exploring more enjoyable.
🚗 Parking – The Only Challenge
If there’s one thing that needs patience, it’s parking. Lots fill up fast, and you might need to circle a bit or park farther out and walk in. The good news is the city offers free lots (some all-day, some 3-hour)—so with a little planning, it’s manageable. Once you’re parked, though, you’re set for the day.
✅ Overall:
Uptown Sedona is absolutely worth a stop. I went in expecting a standard tourist strip but walked away genuinely impressed by the scenery, the variety of shops, the walkability, and the overall vibe. Aside from the usual parking squeeze, everything else about Uptown made the visit enjoyable and memorable."
Ravi Singh
"A really fun town! Park and walk. All the places you would expect to in a great tourist destination. What's not to love about Sedona?"
K M
"No pictures can capture the beauty of this place. Sedona is beautiful and magical.
The uptown shops are amazing. You can shop, eat, walk, and sight see, all on this strip. All the while taking in the soul speaking beauty that is the sedona mountains.
The uptown shops give you a small town feel inside of the city.
Everything is walkable. Close to hotels, and everything in between.
There is free parking. Some traffic is to be expected coming into the strip, but it clears up fast. The parking next to the Hilton shops is one hour, so keep that in mind.
There is high end shopping, and tourist shopping. High end restaurants, local restaurants, and a few chain restaurants.
It is a 10 to 15 minute drive to slide rock.
It's definitely worth the drive here."
Nicole D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uptown Sedona is easily accessible by car. If you're coming from Phoenix, take I-17 North to Exit 298 for AZ-179 North, which leads directly to Sedona. Follow AZ-179 N to AZ-89A N, then turn right onto SR 89A N into Uptown.
While there isn't extensive public transport directly into Uptown, Sedona does have a shuttle service that can be a convenient option for getting around town, especially if you're staying at a hotel with shuttle access.
Uptown Sedona is designed for walkability. Once you've parked, you can easily explore the shops, restaurants, and galleries on foot.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft generally operate in Sedona, including Uptown. This can be a good alternative if you prefer not to drive or deal with parking.
Uptown Sedona is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive south of Flagstaff, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Uptown Sedona itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely walk around and explore the streets.
There are no entrance fees to access Uptown Sedona. However, individual shops, galleries, and restaurants will have their own pricing for goods and services.
Uptown Sedona doesn't have set operating hours as it's an outdoor area. However, individual shops and restaurants typically open around 10 AM and close between 5 PM and 9 PM, with some staying open later.
While Uptown itself is best explored independently, many tour operators in Sedona offer excursions that may include stops or pass through Uptown as part of a larger itinerary.
Yes, for popular restaurants like Elote Cafe, reservations are highly recommended and often required. It's always a good idea to check with specific establishments about their booking policies.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Uptown Sedona boasts a diverse range of shops, including those selling Native American jewelry and art, unique clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, handcrafted goods, and art galleries.
Highly recommended spots include The Vault Uptown for views,
Elote Cafe for Mexican cuisine (reservations needed), and various options like Don Diego Mexican Cuisine, Sedona Pizza Company, and Canyon Breeze for diverse tastes.Yes, you'll find several casual dining options and places for quick bites, including cafes and cantinas, perfect for a mid-shopping refuel.
Prices vary widely. You can find affordable souvenirs and casual eats, as well as higher-end art, jewelry, and fine dining experiences.
Beyond standard dining, look for places offering patio seating with views or unique local specialties. Gelato and pizza are also popular choices.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire Uptown area offers picturesque views of the red rocks. Many shops and restaurants have charming facades, and the street itself is photogenic.
Absolutely! Many restaurants and some vantage points along the street offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding red rock formations.
While not designated viewpoints, many businesses have patios or balconies that provide excellent photo opportunities. Simply looking up and around will reveal many scenic spots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the red rocks and the town. Midday can be bright but still offers good opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted in populated areas and national parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in or around Uptown Sedona.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking in Uptown Sedona
To make parking easier, consider arriving early in the morning, especially on weekdays, to secure a spot in the most popular lots. If your first choice is full, don't get discouraged; there are often other options slightly further out that still allow for a manageable walk into the heart of Uptown. Some parking near the Hilton shops is limited to one hour, so be mindful of signage.
Once you've parked, the best strategy is to leave your car and explore on foot. The compact nature of Uptown makes it ideal for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere without the hassle of moving your vehicle.
The Shopping Experience in Uptown Sedona
In addition to indigenous crafts, the area features charming boutiques with unique clothing, accessories, and handcrafted items. Art galleries showcase local and regional talent, providing opportunities to discover and purchase distinctive pieces. Whether you're looking for a small memento or a significant piece of art, Uptown Sedona's shopping scene is designed to provide an engaging and rewarding experience.
It's worth noting that the shopping experience here is often described as having a 'small-town feel' within a popular tourist destination, making it a pleasant place to browse and discover treasures.
Dining with a View in Uptown Sedona
Beyond the restaurants with panoramic vistas, the area provides a range of dining options, from casual cafes and cantinas to more upscale establishments. This variety ensures that visitors can find something to suit their mood and appetite, whether they're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely sit-down meal.
Popular choices mentioned include Mexican cuisine at Elote Cafe (reservations are a must!), Italian at Sedona Pizza Company, and American fare at places like Open Range and Canyon Breeze. Even if you're just grabbing a coffee or gelato, the vibrant atmosphere of Uptown adds to the overall enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit